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By Cars.com StaffCars.com
October 28, 2009
The iconic Cooper lineup includes both a hardtop and a convertible model. The two body styles come in base and S trim levels, with S models turbocharged for more power. While the Cooper hardtop was redesigned in 2007, the convertible was redone last year. Although there's no car quite like a Mini, the Cooper competes with the VW Eos, VW Beetle, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder and BMW 1 Series. There's also a John Cooper Works edition that has 208 horsepower and more performance enhancements. The John Cooper Works edition competes with high-end sport compacts like the Honda Civic Si, Mazdaspeed3 and Volkswagen GTI. The Mini Cooper Clubman, a stretched hardtop with a rear-hinged passenger access door and split-opening rear doors, is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section. (Skip to details on the: Mini John Cooper Works) New for 2010 Cruise control is now standard on all models, which also have a new steering wheel with multifunction controls. A Harman Kardon sound system is a new option for all models. Mini celebrates its 50th anniversary with two packages for the hardtop, the Camden and the Mayfair (named after two locations in London). Both have unique paint, wheels, and exterior and interior trim; they come with the 172-horsepower turbocharged engine. Exterior The design of the second-generation convertible looks enough like the first that there is little difference to casual observers. The most noticeable difference is the roll bar, which used to stick up behind the backseat head restraints, is now active; it's visible but rests low unless a rollover occurs, in which case it pops up to provide protection.
The Cooper's interior features a center-mounted speedometer in a console that also incorporates the audio system and optional navigation system. The convertible's soft-top opens partially, like a sunroof, or can open fully as a conventional convertible top would. There's also a standard Openometer that tracks how much time you've driven with the top down. The convertible's cargo volume is more than respectable at 6 cubic feet. Overall, the Cooper is roomier inside than the modest exterior dimensions imply.
The Cooper convertible now offers the same engines as the Cooper hardtop: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder in the base model and a turbocharged version in the S, replacing the first-generation supercharged four-cylinder. Compared with the Cooper, the Cooper S has a sportier suspension. The Cooper S has a zero to 60 mph time of 6.7 seconds and achieves an estimated 29 mpg average fuel economy with the manual transmission. Mechanical features include:
Safety features include:
A John Cooper Works version of the Mini debuted for 2009 in all three body styles — the regular two-door hatchback, extended-length Clubman and convertible. Whereas previous JCW Minis featured a supercharged four-cylinder, current models are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 208 hp at 6,000 rpm and 192 pounds-feet of torque from 1,850 to 6,600 rpm. (The engine, according to Mini, can briefly raise boost-pressure when accelerating to achieve 207 pounds-feet of torque from 2,000 to 5,100 rpm.) With the standard six-speed manual transmission, Mini says the John Cooper Works can hit 62 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.8 seconds for the Clubman). Besides the extensive changes under the hood, these hot-rod Minis also feature unique 17-inch alloy wheels, high-performance brakes and a different exhaust system. As with other Minis, the automaker offers a number of ways to personalize John Cooper Works cars. If those enhancements aren't enough, you might want to take a look at the available John Cooper Works accessories. They include a sport suspension with red springs, drilled brake discs, a rear spoiler, a suspension brace and carbon-colored trim pieces. Back to top Find a NEW Mini Cooper S for SaleFind dealers and new car inventory in your area.
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